By Maggie Grootboom, 15th Episcopal District TCR Field Representative
The 36th Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization of the AME Church was held in Seattle’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bellevue, Washington, June 29-July 4, 2019. There were 1,054 delegates and observers gathered to participate in lay business under the new visionary leadership of the second female CLO President, Mrs. Valerie Gary Bell; CLO Director of Lay Activities Ms. Ametta Reaves; and the General Board Lay Commission Chairperson Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. The 5thEpiscopal District hosted the event under the superb leadership of host bishop, the Rt. Rev. Clement W. Fugh; Episcopal District President, Mr. Simeon Rhoden, Jr.; and Episcopal District Director of Lay Activities, Mrs. Marilyn Lovelace-Grant.
On Sunday, June 30, most delegates arrived and activities started with transportation being available for delegates to worship at FAME Church, where Bishop McCloud was the chief celebrant. The executive board members met during the day to finalize matters while committees started their meetings. The registration desk also opened at midday and it was a smooth process. The official Opening Worship of Word and Sacrament service started at 7:30 pm. Bishop Clement W. Fugh preached from the theme, “Laity Walking Humbly with God,” from Micah 6:8.
The first business session of the Biennial started on Monday, July 1. The meeting was called to order by CLO President Bell, with the seating of delegates and committee reports. President Bell gave her first Presidential Report and it was well-received. The keynote address for the Biennial was presented by the Honorable Maxine Waters, United States Congress. She is one of the most powerful and biggest Congresswomen in the USA.
In the afternoon session, the committees continued with reports. The CLO Young Adult Representative, Ms. Jamesha J. Williams, also presented.
The Director of Lay Activities presented her report. She mentioned the Study Guides that are available to purchase and proposed lay training online, where you can obtain a certificate. Study Guides will also be available online and in different languages. In the evening, all delegates were entertained by the 5thDistrict at a Summer Jam.
On Tuesday, July 2, the third business session started with CLO officers reporting on their stewardship as well as committee reports. The plenary for the day was entitled, “The DNA of Christian Leadership.” It was presented by Dr. Ronald Braxton.
The rest of the day was dedicated to training as coordinated by the CLO Director of Lay Activities, Ms. Reaves. The training was divided into “learning labs.” Learning Lab 1A was “A Firm Foundation” and was presented by Dr. Ronald Braxton. Learning Lab 1B was about “The Lord’s Prayer” and was presented by Dr. Michael Brown. Learning Lab 1C was “You Have What it Takes,” presented by Mr. Matthew Douglas. Learning Lab 1D was “Christ-Centered Leadership” and Ms. Adrienne Warren presented it. Learning Lab 1E was entitled “Implementing the Connectional Theme” by Ms. Reaves, Mrs. Marilyn Lovelace Grant, and 7thEpiscopal District DOLA Ms. Shakeia Hampton. Learning Lab 1F was “Discipleship through Music” and was by the Rev. Maurice Wright, the Connectional AME Church’s MCAM Director.
In the afternoon, there was a Candidates Forum. The men and women seeking positions in the upcoming 2020 General Conference elections were introduced. The Tuesday evening session was a screening of the documentary, Emmanuel. It was offered at no cost.
On Wednesday, July 3, Business Session IV started with the Constitution and Bylaws Committee reporting. The Proposed Legislation Committee also presented. Delegates attended another day of training in Learning Labs.
The evening program was in the form of a Gala and Awards Night with worship through music offered by Mr. DaNell Daymon and Greater Works. The Master and Mistress of Ceremonies were Dr. Roderick Moore and Ms. Ebony Newby Brown. The outstanding layperson and young adult were also honored.
Thursday, July 4, was the final day of the Biennial. Committees finalized unfinished reports. When the Time and Place Committee could not reach a consensus on the venue for the next Biennial, President Bell said it would be announced at the next Executive Board meeting in December 2019.
The 16thDistrict delegates sang “Champion” in honor of President Bell. President Bell thanked all the delegates for their attendance and fruitful contributions to the discussions. A special word of thanks was extended to President Rhoden and his district for hosting us so well and for the welcome gifts in the form of a $10 gift card.
The final meditation was done by Bishop Anne Henning Byfield under the theme, “Onward to Greater Things.” She encouraged us to be strong. The Biennial closed with the singing of the Lay Benediction.
